Announcing The 3rd Annual Turtle Run Cybby Award Winners. We had tons of surprises! All the Cybby Winners in the Emmy categories differed from the Emmy Winners, except for the winners of two categories! Looks like these two are respected by their peers AND loved by the fans! The Winners in the TRO Fun Categories were predominated by one soap! With that show's supportive fan base here at Turtle Run, no surprises there. Want to know more? Visit the Turtle Run Message Boards and scroll to "The Cybbys" forum to find out who won what!

Thank you all for participating in the 3rd Annual Turtle Run Cybby Awards. Congratulations to all the winners and the nominees. :o)

The 28th Annual Daytime Emmys

What a night to remember! The night of the 28th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. From the grand entrances of the red carpet arrivals -- Josh Ryan Evans (Timmy, Passions) scooting down runway on his brand new RZ Razor Cruiser, and the raucous applause for Kathie Lee and husband Frank Gifford -- to the fun of the post-show parties, May 17, 2001 was a grand night for Daytime. Did you all tune in and watch the broadcast? Believe it or not, I was so excited to see the show, but missed the first 20 minutes! Sacre bleu! We were out to dinner and didn't make it back in time. We even skipped dessert, my favorite part. LOL Thank the good Lord for VCR's. The person who invented them should be canonized. I watched the rest of the show in real time, then rewound the tape to see just what happened during the presentation of the first awards.

Overall, the broadcast was well-paced, and hosted with the exuberance of Kathie Lee Gifford, whose costume changes helped lend a sense of mystery to the evening. What will she have on next? Her segments with Regis Philbin proved she can still hold her own against the formidable morning show/game show Emmy-winning host. Too bad that in all the years she sat by his side, "Live" never won an Emmy. Even "Live's" new co-host, Kelly Ripa (Hayley, AMC), admitted to having a hard time filling Kathie Lee's shoes. "But then, in my condition, I can't fit into anything these days," quipped the very pregnant Ripa. The joke got a lukewarm response, but I thought it was kind of cute.

I also think that the right actors and shows won the award this year, although Susan Lucci's performance over the outing of Erica's daughter Bianca was wonderful material to play, and I believe she played it quite well. However, Martha Byrne's portrayal of Lily and Rose continues to amaze, and it was a delight to see her take home the statue for Outstanding Lead Actress this year. Just being nominated in the category was monumental for the actress. "I am thrilled!" Byrne told Turtle Run at the NYC Mayor's Office ceremony on May 1, 2001.

I don't think that anyone was more humbly happy and relieved to win this year than "All My Children's" Michael E. Knight (Tad). A 2-time Emmy winner for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series in 1986 and 1987, he was nominated in 1998 and 1999 for Outstanding Supporting Actor and did not take home the statue. As his name was called among the list of nominees for the category, he gulped! Was it sheer terror, or for effect? I'm betting on the former. Outstanding Supporting Actor is always the first category that is presented, and lucky for Knight, he didn't have to sit through the entire show waiting with baited breath. When his name was called, it was to wild applause and the delight of his peers. Former co-star and previous Outstanding Actor winner and this year's nominee in that category, Peter Bergman (Jack, Y&R) stood up and shouted "Yes!" Knight's wife, Catherine Hickland (Lindsay, OLTL) teared up as he kissed her and rose to take the podium. He hugged co-star and fellow nominee, Josh Duhamel, a young actor that Michael respects greatly. "Josh has only been on the show two years, and he was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Do you know how amazing that is?" Knight told fans at a charity event on Long Island the week before. "I'd love to work more with Josh." Knight's acceptance speech was touching and heartfelt, and it looks like his 86-year old grandmother, Emelda Hesse, who he credits with sparking his interest in acting in the first place, will be getting a new statue for her mantel very soon.

Lesli Kay (Molly, ATWT) who mouthed "Hi Mom," as her name was called among the category nominees, was overjoyed at her win for Outstanding Supporting Actress, as were her fellow cast members. She was hugged and kissed the entire trek to the stage. Her first nomination and first win, she choked up as she thanked her parents for encouraging her to pursue acting and not medicine.

Justin Torkildsen (Rick, B&B) was overwhelmed. "Oh my God!" he bellowed as he took the stage and again as he left it! He seemed genuinely surprised at the win. Perhaps rightly so, as AMC's Jesse McCartney (JR) and Y&R's David Tom (Billy) were some pretty tough competition. I would have loved to see a three-way tie in this particular category.

I was so happy that Adrienne Frantz (Amber, B&B) won for Outstanding Younger Actress. Nominated two years in a row (2000 and 2001) she is such a talented young performer. She, too, was overwhelmed and overjoyed, so much so that she could hardly express her thanks as he received the award. Her voice rose in pitch about 20 decibels, she was so excited! "I'm so happy!" she shrilled.

David Canary (Adam/Stuart, AMC) thanked family as he accepted his award for Outstanding Actor. His fifth win in 15 nominations, he said that he used to think that the most important thing in soaps was tall hair! "But the most important thing in soaps is really extended family," he reflected. "The fans. The wonderful, talented actors, and my family."

Winner for Outstanding Actress, Martha Byrne (Lily/Rose, ATWT) broke into tears as her name was called. This was her first nomination and first win in this category (she'd won before for Outstanding Younger Actress), and she thanked everyone on the show from EP Chris Goutman, to headwriter Hogan Sheffer, to co-star Jon Hensley for "15 years of sexual tension." She acknowledged and sent love out to her real-life husband and son, then dedicated the award to her parents who supported her since age nine when she first told them she wanted to appear on Broadway and they said "Let's go!" She ended with a resounding "Now, let's party!" over the din of Dick Clark's orchestra.

Presenters McKenzie Westmore and Galen Gering (Sheridan and Luis, Passions) got the loudest applause as they took the stage. Presenter (and nominee) Rebecca Budig (Greenlee, AMC) looked so diminutive flanked by strapping co-stars Cameron Mathison and nominee, Josh Duhamel (Ryan and Leo, AMC). As super soap diva Deidre Hall (Marlene, DOOL) reached the podium to announce the nominees for Outstanding Daytime Drama, fans screamed out "We love you, Deidre." There were two ties. Outstanding Children's Special and Outstanding Talk Show Host where Rosie O'Donnell shared the honors with Regis Philbin, his first award in this category after many nominations.

We can't discuss the daytime stars shining at night without bringing up fashion. Nadjia Bjorlin (Chloe, DOOL) a classic beauty in every sense of the phrase looked positively stunning in her gold gown. Also in gold, Lindsay Korman (Theresa, Passions) was gorgeous, and Catherine Hickland (Lindsay, OLTL) donned hair extensions for the occasion, her "long" blond hair blending nicely with her gold gown's plunging neckline. Kiko Elsworth (Jamal, PC) chose a retro look, his shirt lapels stretching clear to Brooklyn. Speaking of retro, the return of Ingo Rademacher (Jax, GH) was dampened by his new look. What new? Was it Rademacher or Pete Townsend? A very handsome guy, Rademacher looked more like a remnant from the 60's The Who. Of all Kathie Lee's costumes, my favorite was the seafoam strapless.

For me, highlights of the broadcast included the opening montage of what Kathie Lee learned from Daytime that showcased all of her recent performing endeavors since leaving "Live;" Susan Lucci congratulating fellow castmate, Michael E. Knight via satellite on his win for Outstanding Supporting Actor ("You're not too prejudiced," quipped Kathie Lee. "He's ter-rif-ic!" La Lucci bellowed in her most charming way.); and, Maura West (Carly, ATWT) signing "I love you," to someone special as her name was called among the nominees for Outstanding Supporting Actress.

The low point had to be the food montage, a totally unnecessary waste of precious airtime, with the fashion montage coming in at a close second. The one goof occurred when the announcer misstated the name of AMC's Jesse McCartney's character. The nominee for Outstanding Younger Actor plays the character of Adam, Jr. or JR, not Adam as announced. (Adam is played by David Canary who won for his portrayal of Adam/Stuart on AMC.)

It was delightful seeing "As the World Turns" take home the awards for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series and for Outstanding Daytime Drama. Under the expert leadership of EP Chris Goutman and the craftsmanship of headwriter Hogan Sheffer, "As the World Turns" has turned its world completely around this past year with intriguing storytelling and just the right mix of romance and humor with veteran favorites and newcomers sharing the spotlight. Turtle Run congratulates all the winners and the nominees for being recognized by the highest honor in their industry.

From the Rafters at the 28th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, May 18, 2001, Radio City Music Hall

By C.G.

As an All My Children fan, I figured if I didn't go to the awards this year, I wasn't ever going to go. Lightening -- in the form of 21 nominations -- doesn't strike twice. What with all those nominations, AMC was bound to win something, right? Some of my all time favorite actors were up for major awards. I had to attend! So did nine of my friends, and we vowed to be "as loud as we wanna be" applauding for our faves.

Getting the tickets, since we needed ten, proved to be an ordeal on Ticketmaster. I'm just glad my smoldering AMEX card didn't have to bear the brunt of the $190 per ticket cost. (Although the airline mileage would have been nice!) Seats actually started at $55 for upper rear mezzanine, but you can't see much from there and you can't see the actors up close as they walk in to take their seats.

Since the event was "Black Tie Optional" we saw all sorts of differing dress from formal gowns on down to ripped old jeans and sneakers. One of our group was at a taping of "LIVE with Regis and Kelly" the day before and was actually chosen to go to the Before Party, stay on the red carpet with Claudia Cohen to help identify the actors, and even go to the After Party to do the same. The rest of us festered with jealousy, but that was assuaged by her numerous phone calls with the dish of the hour. Tidbits like: "Guys, the security guard at AMC said..." and "I just plowed into Gina Tognoni (Kelly, OLTL) and almost knocked her down! I didn't see her! I'm so embarrassed."

After dinner, we made our way over to the red carpet but could not get anywhere near it by this time. Kathie Lee and Frank Gifford took a walk down the carpet while thousands of fans started screaming in anticipation. Knowing we wouldn't get a decent view of anything outside, we proceeded inside and to our seats. At the doors they made us split, some had to go down one aisle due to the ticket number even though we all sat together in a row.

Slowly, actors began entering the beautifully restored art deco auditorium. To our right, we noticed more and more CBS actors entering while NBC seemed to come in to our left. Lesli Kay (Molly, ATWT), Outstanding Supporting Actress, looked stunning in her fuchsia-patterned gown. Finally, Anthony Addabbo (Dimitri, AMC) came through the left, which was perfect since that was where our seats were! From what we could tell, we'd have ample opportunity for photographs of our favorites. Each time an actor entered, they were instantly bombarded by amateur paparazzi and autograph hounds. Security guards frequently had to inform the boisterous throng of admirers that they had to let the actors through to their seats because taping would begin on time. Dick Clark runs a tight ship, that much is certain. Yikes. The talent was pouring through the doors at a much faster pace now with only 15 minutes until air. Not so basic black made Esta TerBlanche (Gillian, AMC), who arrived with Laura Allen (Laura, AMC). Also in black, Ingo Rademacher (the once and future Jax, GH) made a splashy entrance once people recognized him with his new "look." Unfortunately for Ingo, the new look wasn't that popular. Dick Clark would announce the remaining time to "take your seats" before airtime like a bloomin' cuckoo clock. As time pressed on, the rest of the attendees made their way through the gauntlet: Jesse McCartney (J.R., AMC), Brian Presley (Jack, PC), Marisa Ramirez (Gia, GH), Kiko Ellsworth (Jamal, PC), Cady McClain (Dixie, AMC), David Canary (Adam/Stuart, AMC), Kelly Ripa & Mark Consuelos (Hayley & Mateo, AMC), Rebecca Budig (Greenlee, AMC), Julia Barr (Brooke, AMC), Kelley Menighan Hensley (Emily, ATWT), Marcy Walker (Liza, AMC), Eric Dearborn (Gabriel, AMC), Finola Hughes (Alex/Anna, AMC), Eden Riegel (Bianca, AMC), J. Eddie Peck (Jake, AMC), John Lindstrom (Kevin, PC), Jay Pickett (Frank, PC), Linda Dano (Rae, OLTL), Josh Duhamel (Leo, AMC), Vincent Irizarry (David, AMC), and finally Cameron Mathison (Ryan, AMC).

As the final announcement was being made, most of the paparazzi and autograph seekers were still awkwardly looking around. Someone was noticeably missing. Henceforth dubbed "The Phantom of the Emmy's" by our group, Outstanding Supporting Actor, Michael E. Knight (Tad, AMC) had managed to enter through a different aisle than the rest of the cast thereby bypassing the AMC fan cluster. Curses! Foiled again.

The most interesting part of the evening was watching the interactions of the actors once the house lights were down. Who was talking to whom, who was reassuring whom, etc. This is the stuff that you can't see on TV in the comfort of your own home. The most amusing moments of the evening weren't happening onstage. Cady McClain was jumping up and down like a kid in her gold sequined halter-top and skirt when Michael E. Knight won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Later, when Jesse McCartney was up for Outstanding Younger Actor, Cady and her boyfriend (who videotaped the evening) were out of the room. They must have heard the category being announced as they quickly tried to enter from the top of the auditorium. The security guard had other plans. As this occurred right by our aisle, we had front row seats for the entire exchange. The guard was adamant about not letting them reenter while the nominees were being announced. The house lights had to be up. They would have to wait until the Emmy was awarded. A panicked Cady kept stealing glances down at her on screen son, while trying to convince the guard to let her go. "I've got to be there." He refused. This was the immovable object meeting the unstoppable force. All it took was a moment of distraction. The minute the guard turned his back on her to talk to someone, Cady grabbed her boyfriend's arm and made a mad dash down the aisle in heels just to be there with Jesse. The section that had overheard everything erupted into applause and cheers. We could see her hugging Jesse once it was over with.

All in all, aside from a severe case of laryngitis from screaming my brains out, it was a complete thrill to attend the Emmy's this year. We all celebrated Michael (E. Knight) and David's (Canary) wins back in one of our hotel rooms until we were too pooped to party any longer.

Inside the Bubble -- TRO Exclusive

Behind the Scenes at the 28th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards

Award show production is famous for the hustle and bustle, lack of adequate rehearsal time, and a number of near catastrophes. Several years ago, one presenter expressed this sentiment about the backstage experience: "It's a cluster f___!" It seems that at award shows, invoking Murphy's Law would leave much to be desired. Better to defer to the lesser-known Marshall-Smith's Law, which is: "Murphy was an optimist!" LOL Yet, through it all, the show goes on, and dick clark productions succeeds in putting it together and pulling it off year after year, show after show.

So, what happens after the presenters announce the winners and the winners take to the stage to express their thanks? Usually, someone who is just an average everyday person, or maybe even a movie or TV extra, rushes to occupy the seat in the audience that the winner vacated, so when the camera again pans the audience for the next category, there are no empty seats. Meantime, the winner, who is usually in a daze at this point, is escorted backstage where he is lead through a maze of corridors, people, and rooms, until he arrives at the press area. There are usually several pressrooms. One for writers and video news crews, one for photographers, and smaller "one-on-one" rooms where shows like "Entertainment Tonight," "Access Hollywood," "E! Entertainment," etc., tape private interviews with the winners for airing on their respective shows at a later date. The press rooms are decked in network identification backdrops, promoting not only the stars and shows that win, but also the network that is broadcasting the Awards Show that year.

With cybermedia taking its rightful place among print, broadcast and radio, there are now computers logged on to the internet so that correspondents from eZines can write their coverage, hit send, and off it goes to the online editor for next-to-immediate publication. There are also phones available (although many reporters now carry their own cell phones) so that print journalists can likewise call in and dictate their coverage.

But what went on in the press room this year? First of all, each and every winner grips that statue as if their lives depended on it. The first stop is usually the photo room, where cameras click and flashes pop in dazzling repetition. After the photo fest, winners adjourn to the writers' room, where journalists attempt to elicit witty quips from winners who are still rather dazed and on an amazing high. Justin Torkildsen (Rick, B&B) and co-star Adrienne Frantz (Amber, B&B) mugged it up for cameras, hugging and smiling and languishing in their respective wins. This despite the fact that Frantz was a little unnerved after her limo was hit in a fender bender on her way to Radio City. "I was freaking out," she admitted!

Michael E. Knight (Tad, AMC), always so gracious and charming, continued to work his magic with the press. (In 1999, when Knight's name was announced as part of the list of nominees in the Outstanding Supporting Actor category, he was the ONLY actor who received a raucous round of applause from the pressroom, just at the mere mention of his nomination! Knight is definitely a favorite.)

There was a bit of a controversy in regard to just who is responsible for turning around "As the World Turns," Headwriter, Hogan Sheffer, or Executive Producer, Chris Goutman? Probably feeling a little left out, after all, Goutman was responsible for hiring Sheffer in the first place, Goutman commented, "The (win) is shared by everyone. I think to designate anyone, including myself is unfair to everyone." Do I sense some sour grapes, here? Sheffer, on the other hand, could not stop crediting the turnaround to the joint effort of everyone involved.

"As the World Turns" was the big winner of the evening, and everyone associated with the show could not be more delighted. On the air, Goutman mentioned in his thank-you speech that if you haven't tuned in lately, do tune in, as you may be pleasantly surprised.

Visibly missing from this year's nominations and therefore awards, were longtime multiple nominees and winners, the "Young & the Restless," "General Hospital, " and even "Days of Our Lives," although Y&R did win for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series this year. A spokesperson for DOOL admitted that they were very disappointed in their lack of nominations. Could a slipshod response to submitting ballots be credited with the lack of Emmy nods for shows that usually do so well? "We were asked to fill out our ballots and bring them to work on a certain day," revealed Lesli Kay (Molly, ATWT) in regard to their whopping 25 nominations this year. "It was just like elementary school." As it turned out, "As the World Turns" was the teacher's pet!

Inside the Bubble TRO Exclusive!

An Insider's Insight into the Voting for the Daytime Emmys

By Jessica Radloff

Someone notify the editors at Webster's Dictionary that an update is needed ASAP. Just make sure it's in time for next year's Daytime Emmy Awards. The word in question? ENIGMA.

As a participant in the 2000 Daytime Emmy Award Voting Weekend for the 27th Annual Daytime Emmys, the process of choosing the best and most deserving nominees is nothing short of a complex puzzle. As most of you already know, the voting process has come under scrutiny the last few years due to block voting and underachieving candidates being named the winners. Although I still am not quite sure how the actual nominee process works, I was given an insiders look into the actual voting process that is used to determine the winners.

My status as a card-carrying member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences allowed me to supervise two categories of the voting process in last year's awards: Special Class Directing (outstanding directing for shows like "The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," "The Rose Parade," etc.) and Outstanding Directing for a Daytime Drama. As an academy supervisor, I was in charge of monitoring my group of "experts" (Academy members who also happened to be producers, directors, etc., that volunteer their time to vote in the awards) to watch the submitted Emmy material. Groups usually consist of four to six voters. After reading various rules and regulations, the lights go out in a room and the doors are closed. In last year's voting, the voting place was "General Hospital's" studios on the ABC lot in Los Angeles. Voters sit in tin, folding chairs and begin the long process of watching tape after tape after tape of daytime dramas, game shows and specials. Very Hollywood, isn't it?

For someone who views the Daytime Emmy as the most prestigious honor associated with dignity and fairness, I had a much different view as to what the Emmy voting process entailed. I thought that each nominated show or actor submitted hours upon hours of their best scenes. Ok, so I wasn't too far off base. But here's where I veered off course: I assumed that each academy voter sat together at a big long table, watching everything together. I assumed these people were soap opera fans that knew every inch of storyline covered. I assumed that once the video viewing ended that these so-called daytime "experts" sat for hours debating each actor's performances and choices until a clear winner was established. Sounds fair, right?

Well, that of course, was before my eyes were pried open to the reality of what the voting process is really like. Those in charge of their respective shows, as well as nominated actors, choose two episodes that showcase their best work. They then send these tapes to the Academy where they are kept until voting occurs. The voters are instructed not to talk or express their opinions or views. When the tapes end, the voters mark their choices, usually ranking the nominees from one (best) to five (or, as I prefer to call it--fifth best!). This process continues until all the tapes are viewed and often lasts the entire day. But surprisingly enough, these "experts," or most of them at least, have never watched more than an hour or two of a daytime drama in their lives. So, there is no way to know the character's back-story or to trace how far a certain show has improved in the year.

Hardly fair, you say? Well, yes and no. For some actors, they may have no substantial storyline all year, but then give one or two Emmy-caliber performances and therefore look in the eyes of the academy as "outstanding." These actors may be very deserving of the honor, but what about the actor who day in and day out gives outstanding performances, but fails to have the two episodes that offer the one-two punch of a breakdown, death or emotional roller-coaster? Acting is, after all, the more subtle emotions that we experience day in and day out.

After the voters have marked the last number and viewed the last tape, the results are then tallied with the East Coast votes and then presented live during the Emmy telecast approximately three weeks later. In most cases, no more than ten people have voted in a particular category. In fact, while I was administrating the voting for Special Class Directing, only one judge bothered to show up! And even though she was, and still is, a respected name in the daytime industry, her one vote carried too much weight for any category, regardless of how important the category seemed to the public.

So what can be done, you ask? Well, unless the Daytime Emmy Voting Process receives a major overhaul, unfortunately nothing. But I do have some advice for the actors, producers, directors and writers who are nominated: Do rejoice in your nominations. Many nominees like to say that the nomination in itself is the trophy, but do so in fear of seeming conceited or greedy. If this were the Golden Globes or the Oscars, I might understand. But considering the voting process that attaches itself to the Daytime Emmys, I say otherwise. The nomination is more the award; it is the vote, the affirmation of excellence by your peers who deem you worthy of such high recognition. And true, not everyone worthy receives a nomination (there are only so many to go around of course!), but in reality, it truly is the highest praise of all.

Emmys -- Did You Know?

For the 28th Annual Daytime Emmys, CBS led the way with seven wins, followed by five for ABC, and three for syndicated shows. "As the World Turns" earned four awards, including Outstanding Daytime Drama and Outstanding Writing Team for a Drama Series, the most wins for any one show. Add that to the awards that "As the World Turns'" won in the Creative Craft Achievement categories (as announced on Saturday, May 12, 2001 in black-tie ceremonies held simultaneously on both coasts), and "As the World Turns" garnered an astounding eight Emmys overall. As a result, "As the World Turns" tied the record for most Daytime Emmys in a single year, set in 1999 by ABC's "General Hospital."

How did "Emmy" get her name? The name Emmy is a feminization of "Immy," a term commonly used for the early image orthicon camera tube.

Who designed the Emmy? The designer of the majestic statue was Louis McManus, an engineer at Culver City's Cascade Pictures. He used his wife, Dorothy, as his model. McManus' design was the last of 48 entries in an Emmy design competition. His prize was a plaque of appreciation. Not an Emmy! LOL

What is the design of the Emmy? No, it's not an angel holding a globe. The Emmy is a winged woman who holds the universal symbol for an electron above her head as she stands poised on a globular platform, ringed with the words National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

How large is the Emmy? The Emmy is 15 inches tall from base to tip. She weighs 5 pounds.

What is the Emmy made of? The Emmy is made of pewter, iron, zinc and gold.

Can the Emmy statue break? Yes. I have seen statues that have been damaged. The damage is usually the wings breaking off. The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences will replace a broken Emmy. So any of you out there who may have one or two that need replacing, give NATAS a call! ;o)

When was the first Daytime Emmy telecast? The first time the Daytime Emmys were on television was in 1973. NBC broadcast the show from Rockefeller Center.

When did the Daytime Emmy broadcast move to primetime? The first primetime telecast of the Daytime Emmy Awards, broadcast by CBS, occurred on June 27, 1991, a mere ten years ago.

According to a spokesperson for NBC, the 28th Annual Daytime Emmy broadcast garnered the lowest ratings since the show has been airing in prime time with 10.3 million viewers overall (down from 12.77 million viewers in 2000). However, it came in second in its time slot after "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and "20/20" in adults 18-49, and won the night in the targeted demographics (women 18-49) with ease. Not bad! ;o)

Bold & the Beautiful & Young and the Restless Throw Parties The Emmy-nominated soaps threw two hip and happening parties in New York to celebrate the Emmy season. Here's your chance to get see what happened at both events.

Guiding Light'sJordi Vilasuso gets some family support Even though the young charismatic star ("Tony Santos") isn't nominated this year, that isn't stopping his Miami-based family from flying up for Emmy night and proudly sharing the thrilling r